In the fight against climate change, properly insulating homes and buildings can significantly raise energy efficiency and indoor air quality while lowering carbon dioxide emissions. A startup company, spun out of research at Virginia Commonwealth University, is commercializing what it calls a breakthrough in insulation.

ThermaGEL Innovations has developed insulation material using aerogels, which are porous solids mostly made of air. The company says its aerogel insulation improves heat resistance, known as R-value, by 136% over conventional materials such as fiberglass. Its aerogels are also thinner, lightweight, flame-proof, moisture-proof and reduce noise.

“Aerogels were invented nearly a century ago; however, the process to make them is complex and expensive — until VCU made a breakthrough discovery,” said Marc McConnaughey, president and chief executive of ThermaGEL. “What VCU has achieved with aerogel production could have a significant, positive impact on the environment and support a more sustainable future.”

The science behind the company comes from the laboratory of physics professor Massimo Bertino, Ph.D., at VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences. Everett Carpenter, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Chemistry, is also advising the company.

Read more at VCU News